24 years later, Amazulu Cultural Ensemble to release 2nd album

The globally-travelled imbube group, Amazulu Cultural Ensemble, based in Victoria Falls, is working on its second album since the group’s inception in 1990. Their inaugural album, titled “On Our Own” was released in 2000.

Despite extensive international tours that included performances in Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, Swaziland, Lesotho, Eswatini, and the UK, the group has seemingly been less active in the studio.

According to group director Kholwani Tshuma, the new project titled “Uhambo Lwethu/Our Journey” is set to be released soon.

“For this year, we are poised to record another album and employ the latest technology by utilising social media for marketing our music and production,” stated Tshuma, the group director who is also a pastor at the World Conquerors Christian Church.

He said the ensemble draws its name from an IsiNdebele term, signifying a tribe of Zulu, guiding them in the performance of traditional Ndebele music. Members are Tshuma, Christopher Sithole, Thandazani Moyo, Mkhululi Dube, Nqobile Ncube, Luckson Gumbo, Felix Nyala, and Clever Mathe.

“The group comprises eight full-time male vocal members who have entertained a wide audience, including local hotel guests, audiences in the local community, international groups, VIPs, and participants in private events. All of them hail from in and around Victoria Falls and Bulawayo,” Tshuma said.

With members of the group being above 40 years of age, except for one, efforts are underway to ensure continuity. The ensemble is actively involved in training and grooming six new individuals who will carry the group forward into the future.

“As part of our future initiatives, we’re actively training more up-and-coming young artistes, with six individuals currently in grooming for the future of the group. Additionally, we also do interactive drumming,” Tshuma said.

He said their goal is to establish an arts centre where training, recording and production, as well as grooming of grassroots talent, will take place.

Tshuma highlighted that Amazulu, as one of the oldest groups in Victoria Falls, has garnered significant respect and valuable experience through their engagement with African acapella music, a diverse range of African traditional dances, and interactive drumming.

The group takes pride in producing their masterpiece album, “On Our Own,” featuring the hit song “In the Jungle”. They have showcased this album at various events, including Independence Day celebrations.

Amazulu was a popular feature at national events including the Unity Day Gala, the now-renowned Friday Live at Amakhosi, Music Crossroads competitions, Miss Zimbabwe pageants, and various corporate events. They are recipients of the 2003 National Arts Merit Awards best acapella Zimbabwean group.

The group aspires to become a significant musical ensemble with their recording studio. Additionally, their vision involves elevating imbube to the international stage and promoting both young and seasoned artistes through capacity-building training. They also aim to utilise their music as a powerful communication and cultural expression tool.